Conservation Action From Your Desk

Writing to elected officials, including the president, is one of the simplest and most effective ways to influence public policy on behalf of the environment. During the two-year term of a congressperson, the House clerk will record your representative's votes on more than 250 issues. In a very real sense, these will be your votes too.

Writing letters is easy. Here are some tips put forward by Congressman Morris K. Udall. These suggestions can be used when writing to any public official at any level of government. If you are unsure of whom to write about a specific issue, contact local conservation activists, consult the publications mentioned with the organizations listed above, or ask for assistance at the reference desk of your public library. Your library or the League of Women Voters can also tell you who your local state legislators are and give you their correct address.

ADDRESS YOUR LETTER PROPERLY to ensure that your letter is delivered to the right person.

• President ____________, The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500; President@whitehouse.gov
• The Honorable ____________, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC 20515. To find the names and email addresses of  your senators, go to www.senate.gov. 
• The Honorable ____________, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC 20510. To find the names and email addresses of your representatives, go to www.house.gov.

IDENTIFY THE BILL OR ISSUE. About 20,000 bills are introduced into each Congress, so it is important to give the bill's number or describe it by a popular title (for example, "Endangered Species Act").

MAKE THE LETTER TIMELY. Write your elected officials while there is still time for them to take action. Some of the periodicals listed under Conservation Organizations alert you when a letter or phone call is appropriate.

FOCUS ON YOUR OWN DELEGATION. As a constituent, your views are most valued by the members of Congress from your locality. Focus your energy on your House member and two senators.

BE BRIEF. Keep your letter concise. Try to stick with one issue.

WRITE YOUR OWN VIEWS. A personal letter is more effective than a form letter or signature on a petition. Your representative usually knows what the major lobbying groups are saying, but does not know your personal experiences or observations or how the bill will affect you.

GIVE YOUR REASONS FOR TAKING A STAND. Your representative may not know all the effects of the bill and what it may mean to an important segment of his or her constituency.

BE BROAD-MINDED. Try to show an awareness of how the proposed legislation would affect not just the environment, but also your community and other people's health and jobs.

BE CONSTRUCTIVE. If a bill deals with an important issue but you believe it takes the wrong approach, offer an alternative.

ASK FOR SPECIFIC ACTION. If your questions or concerns are general (e.g., "I hope you are for clean air") you will most likely receive a form letter. Ask for specific action, such as cosponsoring a specific bill or supporting an amendment.

SHARE EXPERT KNOWLEDGE WITH YOUR REPRESENTATIVE. No one can possibly be an expert in all fields; many constituents are experts in some of them. Members of Congress welcome expert advice and counsel.

USE A PERSONAL OR BUSINESS LETTERHEAD WHENEVER POSSIBLE. Include a complete return address on the letter and envelope. Be sure to sign your name over a typed or printed signature.

SAY "WELL DONE" WHEN DESERVED. Members of Congress appreciate an occasional "Well done" from their constituents. And even if you think your representative voted the wrong way on an issue, a constructive letter stating your disagreement may help later on another issue.

SOME DON'TS:

• Don't make threats or promises.
• Don't berate your representative.
• Don't pretend to wield vast political influence.
• Don't try to write on every issue that comes up (don't be a pen pal).